U.S. patent number 7,530,361 [Application Number 11/605,705] was granted by the patent office on 2009-05-12 for detergent composition containing branched alcohol alkoxylate and compatibilizing surfactant, and method for using.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ecolab Inc.. Invention is credited to Max Guzman, Yvonne Killeen, Steven E. Lentsch, Kim R. Smith.
United States Patent |
7,530,361 |
Killeen , et al. |
May 12, 2009 |
Detergent composition containing branched alcohol alkoxylate and
compatibilizing surfactant, and method for using
Abstract
A detergent composition is provided according to the invention.
The detergent composition includes a branched alcohol alkoxylate
having the formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is a
C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl, R.sup.2 is H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n
is 2-20, and m is 1-40, and a compatibililizing surfactant. The
compatibilizing surfactant can be selected so that an aqueous
composition containing 5 wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate
and at least 2.5 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant provides a
clear aqueous composition. A clear aqueous composition refers to an
aqueous composition that is free of haze visible to the naked eye.
In general, a clear aqueous composition resembles a composition
containing only water. A method for using the detergent composition
is provided.
Inventors: |
Killeen; Yvonne (South St.
Paul, MN), Smith; Kim R. (Woodbury, MN), Guzman; Max
(Farmington, MN), Lentsch; Steven E. (St. Paul, MN) |
Assignee: |
Ecolab Inc. (Eagan,
MN)
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Family
ID: |
37836857 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/605,705 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070123447 A1 |
May 31, 2007 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60741131 |
Nov 30, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/25.2;
134/25.3; 134/42; 510/360; 510/421; 510/475; 510/483 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D
1/825 (20130101); C11D 1/835 (20130101); C11D
1/8255 (20130101); C11D 1/83 (20130101); C11D
1/722 (20130101); C11D 1/008 (20130101); C11D
1/72 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B08B
3/04 (20060101); C11D 1/72 (20060101); C11D
1/722 (20060101); C11D 7/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;510/360,421,475,483
;134/25.2,42,25.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2243307 |
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Mar 1974 |
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DE |
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2301728 |
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Jul 1974 |
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DE |
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2916656 |
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Nov 1980 |
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DE |
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0 709 450 |
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May 1996 |
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EP |
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96/18711 |
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Jun 1996 |
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WO |
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WO96/18711 |
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Jun 1996 |
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WO |
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WO 96/18711 |
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Jun 1996 |
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WO |
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WO02/081610 |
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Oct 2002 |
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WO |
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WO2004/099355 |
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Nov 2004 |
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WO |
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WO 2004/099355 |
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Nov 2004 |
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WO |
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Other References
"Lutensol XP.RTM. Surfactants", BASF The Chemical Company, 10
pages, (Sep. 2005). cited by other .
"Lutensol XP.RTM. Lutensol XL.RTM. Nonionic Surfactants for
Household Cleaners and I&I Formulators", BASF The Chemical
Company, 8 pages. cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Mruk; Brian P
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Faegre & Benson LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No.
60/741,131 that was filed with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office on Nov. 30, 2005. The entire disclosure of U.S.
Application Ser. No. 60/741,131 is incorporated herein by
reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A detergent composition comprising: (a) a water insoluble
branched alcohol alkoxylate having the formula: ##STR00004##
wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl, R.sup.2 is H or a
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-5; (b) a
compatibilizing surfactant, wherein the compatibilizing surfactant
is selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5 wt. % of
the branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of the
compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous composition;
and (c) about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a viscosity
modifier.
2. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
compatibilizing surfactant comprises at least one of a linear
alcohol alkoxylate or an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide
copolymer.
3. A detergent composition according to claim 2, wherein the linear
alcohol alkoxylate contains an alkyl group having 5 to 20 carbon
atoms, and 2 to 20 repeating ethoxy groups.
4. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
composition comprises about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the
branched alcohol alkoxylate.
5. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of
the compatibilizing surfactant.
6. A detergent composition according to claim 2, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of
the linear alcohol alkoxylate.
7. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %
of a chelating/sequestering agent or a threshold agent.
8. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 6 wt. %
wetting agent.
9. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 0.1 wt. % to about 90 wt. %
water.
10. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of
a source of alkalinity.
11. A method for using a detergent composition comprising: (a)
diluting a detergent composition concentrate with water to provide
a detergent composition use composition, the detergent composition
concentrate comprising: (i) an alcohol alkoxylate having the
formula: ##STR00005## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl,
R.sup.2 is H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-5;
(ii) a compatibilizing surfactant, wherein the compatibilizing
surfactant is selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5
wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of
the compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous
composition; and (iii) about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a
viscosity modifier; and (b) applying the use composition to a
soiled substrate.
12. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the compatibilizing surfactant comprises at least one
of a linear alcohol alkoxylate or ethylene oxide/propylene oxide
copolymer.
13. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
12, wherein the linear alcohol alkoxylate contains an alkyl group
having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and 2 to 20 repeating ethoxy
groups.
14. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the composition comprises about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt.
% of the branched alcohol alkoxylate.
15. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the detergent composition comprises about 1 wt. % to
about 20 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant.
16. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
12, wherein the detergent composition comprises about 1 wt. % to
about 20 wt. % of the linear alcohol alkoxylate.
17. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the detergent composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to
about 10 wt. % of a chelating/sequestering agent or a threshold
agent.
18. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the detergent composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to
about 6 wt. % wetting agent.
19. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the detergent composition comprises about 0.1 wt. % to
about 90 wt. % water.
20. A method for using a detergent composition according to claim
11, wherein the detergent composition comprises about 5 wt. % to
about 70 wt. % of a source of alkalinity.
21. A detergent composition comprising: (a) a water insoluble
branched alcohol alkoxylate having the formula: ##STR00006##
wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl, R.sup.2 is H or a
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-5; (b) a
compatibilizing surfactant, wherein the compatibilizing surfactant
is selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5 wt. % of
the branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of the
compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous composition;
(c) a chelating/sequestering agent or a threshold agent; and (d) a
source of alkalinity.
22. A detergent composition according to claim 21, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %
of a chelating/sequestering agent or a threshold agent.
23. A detergent composition according to claim 21, wherein the
detergent composition comprises about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of
a source of alkalinity.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a detergent composition and to a method
for using a detergent composition. The detergent composition
contains a branched alcohol alkoxylate and a compatibilizing
surfactant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Guerbet nonionic surfactants have been known for years. Various
techniques are available for producing Guerbet nonionic
surfactants. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,906,230 to Maas et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,553 to Maas et al., and U.S. Pat. No.
5,977,048 to Welch et al.
Aqueous compositions containing Guerbet nonionic surfactants have a
tendency to deposit on surfaces and form a greasy film. This
tendency has limited the use of Guerbet nonionic surfactants as
detergents.
Liquid detergent compositions containing Guerbet nonionic
surfactants have been disclosed. For example, see EP 0 709 450.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The
detergent composition includes a branched alcohol alkoxylate having
the formula:
##STR00002## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl, R.sup.2
is H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-40, and a
compatibililizing surfactant. The compatibilizing surfactant can be
selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5 wt. % of the
branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of the
compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous composition. A
clear aqueous composition refers to an aqueous composition that is
free of haze visible to the naked eye. In general, a clear aqueous
composition is a composition having a clarity similar to a
composition containing only water.
A method for using the detergent composition is provided according
to the invention. The method includes a step of diluting a
concentrate of the detergent composition with water to provide a
use composition, and applying the use composition to a soiled
surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detergent composition can be used in a wide variety of cleaning
and sanitizing fomulations, including laundry detergents, fabric
softeners, fabric presoaks, dryer sheets, bleaches, hard surface
cleaners, glass cleaners, floor strippers, film-forming coatings,
handsoaps, skin lotions, sanitizers/disinfectants, dish detergents,
carpet cleaners, and vehicle cleaners.
The detergent composition can be provided as a concentrate or as a
use composition. In general, a concentrate refers to a composition
that is intended to be diluted with water to provide a use
composition. A use composition refers to a composition that can be
applied to articles or surfaces to provide detersive activity. In
general, a use composition can have a solids content of less than
about 90 wt. %. The phrase solids content refers to the weight
percent of non-water components.
The use composition can be applied to various soiled surfaces.
Exemplary soiled surfaces include fabrics and hard surfaces.
Exemplary hard surfaces include toilet bowls, baths, shower
surrounds and other plumbing fixtures, bathroom and kitchen hard
surfaces (e.g., countertops), glass windows, and floor
surfaces.
The detergent composition includes a branched alcohol alkoxylate
and a compatibilizing surfactant. The detergent composition can
include additional components such as source of alkalinity,
chelating/sequestering agents and threshold agents, wetting agents,
foam modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, pH
modifiers, viscosity modifiers, antimicrobials, bleaches, bleach
activators, soil penetrants, emulsifiers, film forming agents,
organic solvents, solidification aids, processing aids, and dyes,
pigments, and fragrances.
Branched Alcohol Alkoxylate
The branched alcohol alkoxylate has the following formula:
##STR00003## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl, R.sup.2
is H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-40. The
branched alcohol alkoxylates can be considered a type of nonionic
surfactant. The branched alcohol alkoxylates include those nonionic
surfactants that can be prepared according to U.S. Pat. No.
6,906,320 to Maas et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,553 to Maas et al.,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,048 to Welch et al. The disclosure of these
patents is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary branched
alcohol alkoxylates include those available under the name Lutensol
XP30, Lutensol XP-50, and Lutensol XP-80 available from BASF
Corporation. In general, Lutensol XP-30 can be considered to have 3
repeating ethoxy groups, Lutensol XP-50 can be considered to have 5
repeating ethoxy groups, and Lutensol XP-80 can be considered to
have 8 repeating ethoxy groups.
Branched alcohol alkoxylates can be classified as relatively water
insoluble or relatively water soluble. In general, a water
insoluble branched alcohol alkoxylate can be considered an
alkoxylate that, when provided as a composition containing 5 wt. %
of the branched alcohol alkoxylate and 95 wt. % water, has a
tendency to deposit on a surface and form a greasy film. Lutensol
XP-30 and Lutensol XP-50 from BASF Corporation can be considered
water insoluble branched alcohol alkoxylates. A branched alcohol
alkoxylate that does not have a tendency to deposit on a surface
and form a greasy film when provided as a composition containing 5
wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate and 95 wt. % water can be
considered a water soluble branched alcohol alkoxylate. Lutensol
XP-80 from BASF Corporation can be considered a water soluble
branched alcohol alkoxylate.
The detergent composition can be provided having a sufficient
amount of the branched alcohol alkoxylate to impart desired
detersive properties when the composition is provided as a use
composition. As a concentrate, the detergent composition can
contain about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the branched alcohol
alkoxylate, about 3 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the branched alcohol
alkoxylate, and about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of the branched
alcohol alkoxylate.
Compatibilizing Surfactant
The detergent composition contains a compatibilizing surfactant to
help hold the branched alcohol alkoxylate in solution. In general,
the compatibilizing surfactant can be selected so that an aqueous
composition containing 5 wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate
and at least 2.5 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant provides a
clear aqueous composition. A clear aqueous composition refers to a
composition that is substantially free of haze. By substantially
free of haze, it is meant that one would not perceive the
composition as hazy by simply viewing a 100 gram sample of the
aqueous composition. In general, a clear composition can be
considered to have a similar absence of haze compared to a
composition containing 100% water.
Exemplary compatibilizing surfactants include anionic surfactants,
cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants,
or mixtures thereof.
Exemplary anionic surfactants that may be used include sulfonates,
sulfates, carboxylates, phosphates, taurates, or mixtures
thereof.
Exemplary cationic surfactants that may be used include quaternary
ammonium compounds, amine salts, phosphonium compounds, or mixtures
thereof.
Exemplary nonionic surfactants that may be used include alcohol
alkoxylates; alkyl phenol alkoxylates; copolymers of at least two
of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide; ethylene
oxide/propylene oxide copolymer; polyglycosides, derivatives of
polyglycosides; fatty amides; fatty esters; fatty amines; sorbitan
derivatives; or mixtures thereof.
Exemplary amphoteric surfactants that may be used include betaines,
sulfobetaines, sultaines, amine oxides, amino acid derivatives,
phosphobetaines, amphoacetates, amphopropionates, imidazoline
derivatives, etc., and mixtures thereof.
An exemplary compatibilizing surfactant that can be used includes
linear alcohol alkoxylates. Exemplary linear alcohol alkoxylates
include those having C.sub.5-C.sub.20 alkyl group and 3 to 20
repeating alkoxy groups such as repeating ethoxy groups. An
exemplary linear alcohol ethoxylate having C.sub.5-C.sub.20 alkyl
group and 3-20 repeating ethoxy groups can be referred to as a
C.sub.5-20 EO.sub.3-20 linear alcohol ethoxylate.
The compatibilizing surfactant can be provided in an amount
sufficient to help hold the branched alcohol alkoxylate in the
resulting detergent composition to reduce the tendency of the
branched alcohol alkoxylate to deposit on a surface and form a
greasy film. Minimally, an amount of the compatibilizing surfactant
can be used to help hold the branched alcohol alkoxylate in the
detergent composition. Additional amounts of the compatibilizing
surfactant beyond the amount necessary to reduce deposition by the
branched alcohol alkoxylate can be used. Furthermore, it is
expected that the maximum amount of the compatibilizing surfactant
may be selected to avoid causing the composition to cost too much.
For example, the concentrate can include about 1 wt. % to about 20
wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant, about 2 wt. % to about 15
wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant, and about 5 wt. % to about
12 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant. In addition, a
preferred compatibilizing surfactant includes the linear alcohol
alkoxylate surfactants. The concentrate can include about 1 wt. %
to about 20 wt. % of the linear alcohol alkoxylate, about 2 wt. %
to about 15 wt. % of the linear alcohol alkoxylate, and about 5 wt.
% to about 12 wt. % of the linear alcohol alkoxylate.
The amount of the compatibilizing surfactant can be selected so
that the weight ratio of the compatibilizing surfactant to the
branched alcohol alkoxylate is at least about 0.5:1. The weight
ratio of the compatibilizing surfactant to the branched alcohol
alkoxylate can be greater than about 1:1, and can be greater than
about 2:1.
Source of Alkalinity
The detergent composition can include a source of alkalinity.
Exemplary sources of alkalinity include alkali metal hydroxides and
alkaline earth metal hydroxides. Exemplary alkali metal hydroxides
include, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide. Suitable
alkaline earth metal hydroxides include, for example, magnesium
hydroxide. An alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide may be added
to the composition in the form of solid beads, dissolved in an
aqueous solution, or a combination thereof. Alkali and alkaline
earth metal hydroxides are commercially available as a solid in the
form of prilled beads having a mix of particle sizes ranging from
about 12-100 U.S. mesh, or as an aqueous solution, as for example,
as a 50 wt. % and a 73 wt. % solution. It is preferred that the
alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide is added in the form of an
aqueous solution, preferably a 50 wt. % hydroxide solution, to
reduce the amount of heat generated in the composition due to
hydration of the solid alkali material.
The detergent composition can include an alkaline source other than
an alkali metal hydroxide. Examples of other alkaline sources
include a metal silicate such as sodium or potassium silicate or
metasilicate, a metal carbonate such as sodium or potassium
carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate, and the like; a metal
borate such as sodium or potassium borate, and the like;
ethanolamines and amines; and other like alkaline sources.
Alkalinity agents are commonly available in either aqueous or
powdered form, either of which is useful in formulating the present
cleaning compositions.
The detergent composition can be provided without a source of
alkalinity. When the detergent concentrate includes a source of
alkalinity, it can be included in an amount of about 4 wt. % to
about 70 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, and about 10 wt. %
to about 50 wt. %.
Chelating/Sequestering Agents and Threshold Agents
The composition may include a chelating/sequestering agent. In
general, a chelating agent is a molecule capable of coordinating
(i.e., binding) the metal ions commonly found in natural water to
prevent the metal ions from interfering with the action of the
other detersive ingredients of a detergent composition. Exemplary
chelating/sequestering agents that can be used include an
aminocarboxylic acid, a condensed phosphate, a phosphonate, and an
organic hydroxycarboxylic acid. Threshold agents can be used to
reduce interference of detersive ingredients by metal ions. An
exemplary threshold agent that can be used includes a
polyacrylate.
Useful aminocarboxylic acids include, for example,
n-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA),
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),
N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA),
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and the like. Examples
of condensed phosphates useful in the present composition include,
for example, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and
potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium
hexametaphosphate, and the like.
Useful hydroxycarboxylic acids that can be used include, for
example, citric acid, salts of citric acid, hydroxycetic acid,
salts of hydroxycetic acid, and succinic acid, and salts of
succinic acid.
The composition may include a phosphonate such as
aminotris(methylene phosphonic acid), hydroxyethylidene
diphosphonic acid, ethylenediaminetetra(methylene phosphonic acid),
diethylenetriaminepente(methylene phosphonic acid), and the like.
It is preferred to use a neutralized or alkaline phosphonate, or to
combine the phosphonate with an alkali source prior to being added
into the mixture such that there is little or no heat generated by
a neutralization reaction when the phosphate is added.
Exemplary builders and chelants that can be used include organic
and inorganic chelating agents. Inorganic chelating agents include,
for example, alkali metal phosphates (e.g., phosphate,
pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate), alkali metal aluminosilicates,
zeolites, and mixtures thereof. Organic chelating agents include,
for example, polymeric and small molecule chelating agents.
Polymeric threshold agents include ionomer compositions such as
polyacrylic acids compounds and/or acid anhydride copolymers
(maleic anhydride/olefin, etc.). Small molecule organic chelating
agents include amino-carboxylates such as salts of
ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) and
hydroxyethylenediaminetetracetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid,
ethylenediaminetetrapropionates, triethylenetetraminehexacetates,
and the respective alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium
salts thereof. Phosphonates can also be used as chelating agents
and include ethylenediamine tetra(methylenephosphonate),
nitrilotrismethylenephosphonate,
diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), hydroxyethylidene
diphosphonate, and 2-phosphonobutane 1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid. The
phosphonates commonly contain alkyl or alkylene groups with less
than 8 carbon atoms. Preferred chelating agents include the
phosphonates, amino-carboxylates, phosphates, and
amino-carboxylates. Some chelants such as the phosphonates are also
effective threshhold inhibitors, preventing the
crystallization/precipitation of calcium salts from the interaction
of detergent with hard water.
The detergent composition can be provided without a chelating
agent, sequestering agent, builder, or threshold agent. When the
detergent composition concentrate includes any of these components,
they can be included in an amount of about 0.4 wt. % to about 10
wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, and about 1 wt. % to about
4 wt. %.
Wetting Agent
The detergent composition can include a wetting agent. An exemplary
wetting agent includes lauryl polyglucose.
The detergent composition can be provided without a wetting agent.
When the detergent composition concentrate includes a wetting
agent, it can be included in an amount of about 0.4 wt. % to about
6 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, or about 1 wt. % to
about 3 wt. %.
Water
Water can be added to the detergent composition concentrate to form
the detergent composition use composition. In general, the use
composition refers to the composition that contacts a surface or
article to provide detersive activity. It can be advantageous to
distribute a detergent composition in the form of a concentrate,
and then dilute the concentrate with water to provide a use
composition at the situs of use.
The concentrate can be provided without water or it can be provided
in a form that contains water. The concentrate can be provided as a
powder, a solid, a gel, or a liquid. When the concentrate is
provided in the form of a powder, the concentrate can contain about
0 to about 10 wt. % water, about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % water,
or about 0.2 wt. % to about 5 wt. % water. When the concentrate is
provided in the form of a solid, the concentrate can contain about
0 to about 50% water, about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % water, or
about 10 to about 25 wt. % water. When the concentrate is provided
as a liquid, the concentrate can contain about 20 wt. % to about 90
wt. % water or about 25 wt. % to about 80 wt. % water. In general,
the concentrate can contain water in an amount of less than about
90 wt. %. Above 90 wt. % water, the detergent composition tends to
look more like a use composition. It should be understood, however,
that the weight percent solids in the use composition can be
adjusted to provide a desired level of detersive activity. In
certain circumstances, it may be desirable to provide a use
composition having a solids content that is less than about 5 wt.
%, less than about 3 wt. %, less than about 1 wt. %, less than
about 0.5 wt. %, or less than about 0.1 wt. %.
Defoaming Agents and Foam Boosters
Examples of defoaming agents suitable for use in the present
compositions include silicone compounds such as silica dispersed in
polydimethylsiloxane, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids,
fatty esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates,
mineral oils, polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl phosphate esters
such as monostearyl phosphate, and the like. A discussion of
defoaming agents may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548 to Martin
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,147 to Brunelle et al., and U.S. Pat.
No. 3,442,242 to Rue et al., the disclosures of both references
incorporated by reference herein.
Exemplary foam boosters that can be used include amphoteric
surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and
mixtures thereof. Additional foam boosters include glycol ethers
and polymers. Exemplary foam suppressants include silicones and
their derivatives, water-insoluble compounds, or nonionic
surfactants used at temperatures above their cloud point.
Anti-Redeposition Agents
The detergent composition may also include an anti-redeposition
agent capable of facilitating sustained suspension of soils in a
cleaning solution and preventing removed soils from being
redeposited onto the substrate being cleaned. Examples of suitable
anti-redeposition agents include fatty acid amides, fluorocarbon
surfactants, complex phosphate esters, polymers or copolymers
derived from acid anhydrides such as styrene maleic and hydride
copolymer, polymers and copolymers derived from polyacrylates, and
cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and the like.
Dyes/Odorants
Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other aesthetic
enhancing agents may also be included in the composition. Dyes may
be included to alter the appearance of the composition, as for
example, Direct Blue 86 (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay Chemical
Corp.), Acid Orange 7 (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet 10
(Sandoz), Acid Yellow 23 (GAF), Acid Yellow 17 (Sigma Chemical
Co.), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical), Rhodamine (D&C
Red No. 19), Sap Green (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Metanil
Yellow (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis),
Sandolan Blue/Acid Blue 182 (Sandoz), Hisol Fast Red (Capitol Color
and Chemical), Acid Green 25 (Ciba-Geigy), and the like.
Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in the compositions
include, for example, terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes
such as amyl cinnamaldehyde, ajasmine such as C1S-jasmine orjasmal,
vanillin, and the like.
Hardening Agents
The detergent composition concentrate can be provided as a solid.
Solidification of the composition can be accomplished using a
hardening agent. Exemplary hardening agents include urea,
polyethylene glycol, hydrates of inorganic compounds, and sodium
hydroxide. Various inorganics can be used that either impart
solidifying properties to the present composition and can be
processed into pressed tablets for carrying the alkaline agent.
Such inorganic agents include calcium carbonate, sodium sulfate,
sodium bisulfate, alkali metal phosphates, anhydrous sodium acetate
and other known hydratable compounds.
Additional Components
Various additional components can be included in the detergent
compositions including corrosion inhibitors, pH modifiers,
viscosity modifiers, antimicrobials, bleaches, soil penetrants,
emulsifiers, film forming agents, organic solvents, and processing
aids. It should be understood that each of these components can be
excluded from the detergent composition, if desired.
Corrosion inhibitors that can be used include amines, triazoles,
phosphates, nitrates, metal carboxylates, silicates, and a wide
variety of additional material known to one skilled in the art.
pH modifiers that can be used include organic or inorganic acids,
bases, or buffering agents. Nonlimiting examples of the acids
include citric acid, gluconic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, acetic
acid, adipic acid, suflamic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid,
bicarbonates, hydrogen phosphates, bisulfate, hydrochloric acid,
polyacrylic acid, etc. Nonlimiting examples of the bases include
alkali metal hydroxides, ammonium hydroxide, amines, alkanolamines,
ether amines, ethylene diamine and its derivatives, polymeric
amines, carbonates, silicates, aluminates, etc.
Viscosity modifiers can be used to increase or decrease the
viscosity of a formulation. Exemplary viscosity modifiers include
inorganic salts (sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, magnesium
sulfate, etc.), polymers (polyacrylates, cellulose derivatives,
etc.), gums (guar and guar derivatives, xanthum, etc.), inorganic
salts (calcium chloride, etc.) and organic solvents (alcohols,
glycol ethers, etc.). An exemplary glycol ether includes diethylene
glycol monobutyl ether. The detergent composition can include a
viscosity modifier in an amount of about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %
or about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %.
Antimicrobials that can be used include cationic compounds, phenol
derivatives, fatty acids, peroxygen compounds, active halogen
compounds, preservatives, etc.
Bleaches that can be used include both active oxygen and halogen
compounds. They may optionally be activated using a variety of
systems known to the art (transition metals, esters, etc.).
Soil penetrants that can be used include those compounds which
enhance the permeation of water into a soil. These vary widely with
the soil type: amines, EO-PO copolymers, solvents, etc.
Emulsifiers that can be used include surfactants or oils.
Film forming agents that can be used include polyacrylates,
polyurethanes, camauba wax, montan wax, polyethylene, polypropylene
glycol, etc.
Organic solvents that can be used include terpenes, glycol ethers
and their derivatives, mineral spirits, branched paraffins,
etc.
Processing aids can be used to improve the manufacturing process of
a formulation. They include water, alkali metal carbonates, alkali
metal halides, etc.
Exemplary ranges for components of a detergent concentrate are
provided in Table 1. The ranges for the components are provided on
the basis of the components being 100% active. It is understood
that components are often available in a form that contains water.
For purposes of the ranges in Table 1, the ranges are based upon
the absence of water from the component.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Exemplary Ranges for Components of
Concentrate at 100% Active First Second Third exemplary exemplary
exemplary Component range (wt. %) range (wt. %) range (wt. %)
Branched alcohol 2-50 3-40 5-30 alkoxylate Compatibilizing 1-20
2-15 5-12 surfactant Source of alkalinity 0-70 5-60 10-50 Chelating
agent or 0-10 0.5-8 1-4 threshold agent Wetting agent 0-6 0.5-5 1-3
Water 0-90 0.1-80 0.2-70
The detergent composition concentrate can be provided with or
without a source of alkalinity such as caustic. An exemplary
detergent concentrate containing caustic is shown in Table 2. An
exemplary detergent concentrate not containing a source of
alkalinity is shown in Table 3. A source of alkalinity such as
caustic can be combined with the detergent concentrate shown in
Table 3. For example, it is sometimes convenient in laundry washing
operations to combine a surfactant stream with a source of
alkalinity stream so that the surfactant and the source of
alkalinity combine in the laundry washing machine.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Exemplary Liquid Concentrate Containing
Caustic Component Amount (wt. %) Branched alcohol alkoxylate 10.5
Linear alcohol alkoxylate 3.5 NaOH (50% active) 74 Threshold agent
(50% active) 4.0 Chelating agent (50% active) 6.3 Wetting agent
(50% active) 1.2 Pigment and Optical brightener 0.05
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Exemplary Liquid Concentrate for Combining
with Alkalinity Component Amount (wt. %) Branched alcohol
alkoxylate 33 Linear alcohol alkoxylate 16 Chelating agent 10
Thickener 9 Water 32
The use levels of the primary alcohol alkoxylate/compatibilizing
surfactant blend in a formulation should be such that a benefit
(cleaning, wetting, de-wetting, leveling, softening, biocidal,
foaming, de-foaming, coating, protecting, etc.) is provided.
The compositions may be dispensed from single or multi-use
packaging in a variety of physical forms: liquid, gel, paste,
solid, powder, agglomerate, foam, aerosol. Further, they may be
prepared as a concentrate for dilution at the point of use or
manufactured as a ready-to-use product. Optionally, the
compositions may be contained within water-soluble packaging.
The following examples and data further illustrate the practice of
the invention, should not be taken as limiting the invention and
contains the best mode. The following examples and data show the
effectiveness of the invention in promoting adequate ability to
remove a soil.
EXAMPLE 1
Solubilization of Ethoxylated 1-hydroxy-2-propyl-heptane
Ethoxylated 1-hydroxy-2-propyl-heptane (Lutensol XP-50 from BASF
Corporation) is a branched alcohol ethoxylate difficult to
incorporate into a hard surface cleaner. Various surfactants were
used to solubilize the branched alcohol ethoxylate under ambient
conditions (room temperature, 1 atmosphere). About half a gram of
dirty motor oil was placed on an aluminum coupon and was immersed
in a detergent solution for 5 minutes. The coupon was then
carefully removed and immediately photographed to show remaining
oil. Several compositions were more effective than compositions
containing nonyl phenol ethoxylate (NPE 9.5) as a surfactant.
Several compositions were more effective for removing dirty motor
oil than two commercial products (Simple Green Automotive Cleaner
from Simple Green and Panther from Ecolab Inc.).
The results of this example are reported in Table 4. In addition,
Lutensol XP-50 is a Guerbet ethoxylate from BASF Corporation and
contains 5 ethoxy groups. Lutensol XP-80 is a Guerbet ethoxylate
from BASF Corporation containing 8 ethoxy groups. Lutensol XP-50
can generally be considered water insoluble, and Lutensol XP-80 can
generally be considered water soluble.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Water Water Water Insoluble Insoluble (g)
Alkoxylate (g) Surfactant (g) 50 2.5 Lutensol 7.5 C.sub.12-C.sub.14
7 EO XP-50 Surfonic L24-7 Huntsmen Chemical 50 2.5 Lutensol >14
g C.sub.12-C.sub.14 5 EO XP-50 Surfonic L24-7 Huntsmen Chemical 50
2.5 Lutensol >14 g C.sub.12-C.sub.14 3 EO XP-50 Surfonic L24-7
Huntsmen Chemical 50 2.5 Lutensol >14 g C.sub.10 3EO XP-50 50
2.5 Lutensol 4.8 g Tergitol C.sub.15 S (secondary) XP-50 7 EO Dow
Chemical 50 2.5 Lutensol 3.1 g C.sub.10-C.sub.12 21 EO XP-50 50 2.5
Lutensol 1.7 g Pluronic N3 XP-50 50 2.5 Lutensol 1.5 g Pluronic L61
XP-50 50 2.5 Lutensol 2.27 g C12 amine oxide, 30% XP-50 50 2.5
Lutensol 1.89 g alpha olefin sulfonate, XP-50 40% 50 2.5 Lutensol
5.53 g cocotrimethyl quat, 27% XP-50 50 2.5 g C.sub.12C.sub.14 3EO
8.10 g Lutensol XP-80.sup.2 (8EO)
EXAMPLE 2
Ethoxylated 1-hydroxy-2-propyl-heptane/Laureth-myristeth-9 EO in a
Laundry Detergent
A laundry detergent composition containing branched alcohol
ethoxylates (Lutensol XP-50) and linear fatty alcohol surfactant
containing C.sub.12-14 alkyl and 9 ethoxy groups (Surfonic L24-9)
was compared to a detergent composition containing nonyl phenol
ethoxylate (NPE-9.5) for cleaning cotton fabric swatches soiled
with makeup and dust-sebum using a tergotometer (U.S. Testing Co.).
The cleaning was quantitated as the final reflectance of swatches
after a 10 minute wash at 120.degree. F. and 1 g detergent/liter
wash water and then the % soil removed calculated. The compositions
are reported in Table 5, and the results are reported in Table 6.
The data below illustrates that the compositions according to the
invention can be used to obtain satisfactory cleaning results at a
reduced use level compared to traditional water-soluble surfactants
such as nonylphenol ethoxylate.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Compositions A and B Component A (wt. %) B
(wt. %) water 20.0 21.0 NaOH, 50% 60.0 60.0 NPE-9.5 20.0 0 Surfonic
L24-9 0 3.5 Lutensol XP-50.sup.1 0 10.5
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Results % removed: % removed: Compositions
dust-sebum/cotton makeup A 42% 65% B 50% 59%
* * * * *